Final answer:
The essay question addresses what personality traits made Abraham Lincoln an effective leader, focusing on his forward-thinking mindset and his belief in the government's role in promoting societal advancement, contrasting it with Jefferson Davis's approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the aspects of Abraham Lincoln's personality reflected in an essay. It seeks to understand what traits made Abraham Lincoln an effective leader compared to his counterpart, Jefferson Davis. Abraham Lincoln's ability to be an 'active force in promoting opportunity and advancement' as articulated by historian Eric Foner, and his political alignment with the Whigs demonstrated his forward-thinking and modernist views. Lincoln's qualities as an effective leader also stemmed from his understanding of the market economy and his desire to see government play a proactive role in the betterment of society.
On the other hand, Jefferson Davis might not have shared all these qualities, particularly Lincoln's vision of the government's role in promoting development. Leadership effectiveness often comes down to one's ability to unite and inspire people through challenging times, and Lincoln's dedication to preserving the Union and emancipating the slaves highlighted his moral and strategic leadership abilities.